Thursday, January 12, 2012

On the process of creating: the art of others

Some days I sit in front of the computer and I don't know how to begin. I guess we all have our mind full of tasks, but starting off is always the hardest thing. My personal monster is sitting at the empty space, empty of rhythm, intention or direction. I try not to be daunted, but sometimes it takes at least an hour, a real waste of time, I would tell myself when later in the day I'm short of minutes and wheezing. But that's my way of getting going.Every day should be a small, tiny, adventure. Now I realize that the older I get, the more childish I am. My head is full of fantasies. Sure, looking out into the world, into the art of others, only serves to instigate these fantasies of mine.I ramble about this because many of you have asked me to share my creative process. And this has come up as the most obvious part: the encouragement you get from facing the work of others. The evolution of my own work is based on two facts: I draw every day and I see the work of others. I have not had more valid teachers. Many times my first reaction at seeing other artists creations is jealousy, but I've learned that you have to take that as a starting point and a spur, as a visual background that would blend with your dreams, your passions and your demons, to finally express your real world.I wanted to share with you these books I have been given. Both are stories, an old one, a modern one, a short one, a long one, both illustrated by two very different artists which I deeply admire: Carson Ellis ("Wildwood") and Sara Morante ("The Red Shoes"). Following them has spurred my desire to practice with ink, to learn how to use watercolor better and to bring back my brushes. I have to confess that these are strong first intentions, but they soon grow adapted to my circumstances, my shortcomings and my abilities.Finally, surrounding myself with the good work of others is my way to shake off the laziness and doubts, and start creating. Although it might be out of simply envy, I am looking forward to maybe someday be able to do things a bit as magical as the others do.Next time I'll tell you how a dream, a picture, a song or a book can set my hand and pencil in motion and turn into a drawing.

Yes. I could have written exactly the same thing (albeit not so eloquently!). I do get inspired by others, which starts me off in one direction, but the end result might be completely different from the inspiration. I'm just not there yet. Thanks for putting my thoughts into words. ~ Sara

I get inspired by others too. I like that you say you have to take that as a starting point to develop your own personal work. What I like about your drawings is that they seem very unique, like a part of a universe that I want to explore more. I look forward to seeing your process.Interesting links, by the way.